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Sarah Zielsdorf, MD, MS

Dr. Sarah Zielsdorf hails from Ohio, where she received her BA in Microbiology from Miami University with a minor in molecular biology and a concentration in oboe performance. She went on to earn an MS in Public Health, Microbiology, and Emerging Infectious Diseases from The George Washington University in Washington, DC where she published her thesis on improving laboratory emergency preparedness post 9/11. Dr. Zielsdorf graduated from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center and Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. She holds a membership in the Institute for Functional Medicine and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine.

The trajectory of Sarah’s life and career radically changed during her intern year of residency, when she was diagnosed with fibrosis of the liver and autoimmune thyroid disease. Having already followed the conventional treatment plan for hypothyroidism for 10 years, she turned to more holistic approaches. Thus began her healing journey and a tremendous self-education in functional and integrative medicine. Working with several innovative clinicians in varying fields, she began to reverse these chronic diseases, which changed the paradigm of her philosophy as a physician. Sarah has been described by autoimmunity authority Jessica Flanigan as “the progressive voice of functional medicine in Chicago”; Dr. Zielsdorf is now considered a regional thyroid and autoimmunity expert. She is proud to serve patients from six states and counting. She was recently featured as a thyroid disease expert in The Thyroid Secret documentary series by Dr. Izabella Wentz.

Dr. Zielsdorf’s goal is to empower patients to reverse chronic disease through a combination of nutrition and science-based, 21st century treatment approaches. Her ideal patients are committed to taking responsibility for their health and are passionate partners in the healing journey. Dr. Zielsdorf will take the time to listen to your story to get to the root cause of your concerns in a patient-centered, personalized way. She understands that every individual is biochemically and genetically unique. Dr. Zielsdorf supports the innate ability of the body and mind to heal, restoring optimized health. Above all, she values the transformative power of the patient-physician relationship. Health is not simply the absence of disease, but is living a life of passionate vitality.

The biggest proof of Sarah’s healing is her vivacious toddler. Sarah’s passions include traveling and outdoor adventures with her husband and daughter, playing bass guitar, watching movies and Ohio sports, cooking delicious nutrient-dense meals/studying functional medicine, and being inspired by the immortal genius of The Smashing Pumpkins and Rush.

Dr. Zielsdorf currently sees patients through the Institute for Personal Development offices in Romeoville and Morris, IL. A third location is planned for Geneva, IL in late 2017.